designing the obvious (new riders)

Designing the Obvious belongs in the toolbox of every person charged with the design and development of Web-based software, from the CEO to the programming team. Designing the Obvious explores the character traits of great Web applications and uses them as guiding principles of application design so the end result of every project instills customer satisfaction and loyalty. These principles include building only what’s necessary, getting users up to speed quickly, preventing and handling errors, and designing for the activity.

Designing the Obvious does not offer a one-size-fits-all development process - in fact, it lets you use whatever process you like. Instead, it offers practical advice about how to achieve the qualities of great Web-based applications and consistently and successfully reproduce them.

• Buy it now
• Download the sample chapter
• Join the ‘Designing the Obvious’ community on Ning

reviews

Robert’s new book is worth a look if you design just about anything for just about anyone.
- Seth Godin (Marketing genius, change agent, creator of Squidoo)

All in all, Designing the Obvious is an amazing book, crafted together from years of experience in understanding applications and deep insight into how the latest and greatest Web 2.0 applications are designed to be obvious. From countless examples and an amazing amount of techniques, both before and during design, Hoekman provides a wonderful platform from which more amazing, and dynamic applications can be built. If you are at all in the market for designing web based applications, especially Web 2.0 applications, this book is hands down a necessity, particularly for those who are still meditating on their last purchase.
- BoxesAndArrows (author: Clifton Evans)

Designing the Obvious seems to be the perfect companion for Steve Krug’s “Don’t Make Me Think”, and if you’re designing web applications you should definitely pick up a copy.
- Josh Williams (Firewheel Design, creators of BlinkSale)

Nobody wants unhappy users, but with Designing the Obvious, software designers and developers everywhere can learn to start turning frustrated and hostile users into users who are happy and loyal and ready to evangelize.
- Wendy Sharp (from the Peachpit blog)

I’m currently going to petition Gideons to see if along with bibles, they can leave a copy of this book in every so-called ‘web designer’s’ hotel room.
- Vorsuc

If you see this slender book in a book shop and assume there can’t be much in it for the price, you’ll be making a mistake. Anyone working in web design will have a lot to gain from the insights and thought processes behind the detail.
- PC Book Review

Don’t wait [...] - just go buy it. Now. I mean it. Go to wherever you buy books and order it up. I don’t care if you just bought Gears of War and your a little short on cash. Go sell some blood plasma or something. If you have ANYTHING to do with the creation, design, or development of web application than go [...] right now and get the damn book. Don’t make me get the flying monkeys after you.
- cross.wired.mind

Great UI is deceptively simple — that simplicity takes much thought and work. Designing The Obvious will help you get there quicker.
- Alan Rimm-Kaufman

I don’t remember where I first heard of Designing the Obvious, but I’m glad I put it on my wish-list (and that someone bought it for me).
- Mike

This book is aimed largely at people involved in web-based software design and development, yet it should be compulsory reading for any one involved in creating software for anyone else other than themselves.
- Justin Sihera